O Underwood & Underwood
FUR AND FEATHERS: MASCOTS OF THE HEROIC RUSSIAN WOMEN'S
"BATTALION
OF DEATH"
The advent of the woman soldier fighting for liberty in the armies of New Russia has
been one of the most inspiring developments of the war since the overthrow of the Romanoff
dynasty. These young women patriots have already set their brothers in arms a magnificent
example in loyalty, obedience to military authority, and bravery under fire.
these sacrifices and is, as a matter of fact,
still fighting, while America has not yet
begun. It is my purely personal point of
view that the Russians have by their con
tribution saved Europe, even if they fight
no more, though there is reason to be
lieve that they will continue, in spite of
losses and political confusion, to battle
until the end.
We have, however, reached a point
where the Allies can win without Russia.
Her staying in the war represents a sav
ing in time and a saving of human life
and treasure rather than any difference
in the final issue. The collapse of Russia
in 1915 or 1916 might have lost the war;
but that moment has, in my judgment,
passed. Let us, therefore, recognize the
services of Russia in the years agone and
appreciate them before we consider the
situation of the present.
In order to realize what the Russians
are now going through politically, it is
necessary to understand the average
point of view of their 180,000,000 odd
population. It must be understood that
of these millions the vast majority are
of the peasant class and can neither read
nor write. At the beginning of the con
flict they knew little or nothing of the
issues of the war, but came to the colors
in the slow, unemotional, and negative
way that they always go to war. It is
foolish to say that the war was popular
in Russia. No war is ever really popular
in any country.
"NOT WILLING TO GO, YET THEY WENT
WILLINGLY"
Perhaps the attitude of the average
Russian is illustrated by the remark a
peasant made to me when asked if many
had gone from his village to the war.
"Nearly all of military age," he replied.
"And were they glad to go to the war?"
I asked him.
"Who would go to war